The story revolves around Simba, whose father Mufasa, the king of the Pride Lands, is murdered by his own brother Scar.

Scar then convinces Simba that Mufasa's death was Simba's fault and encourages the young cub into self-imposed exile. Scar reports Mufasa's and Simba's "accidental" death to the Pride, believing the cub to have been killed by his vicious hyena henchmen. He becomes king and his hyenas overrun the Pride Lands.

Simba escapes from the hyenas but collapses, exhausted, in the desert. The young cub is saved and befriended by Timon and Pumbaa.

After growing up with the pair, the adult Simba encounters his childhood friend - a formidable lioness named Nala - who has fled Scar's dictatorial rule to seek help. She urges Simba to return to the Pride Lands and retake his rightful throne, but he refuses, still traumatised by the false belief that he caused his father's death.

Rafiki the witch-doctor shows Simba, that Mufasa's spirit still lives on inside him.

For the Hindi version, erstwhile Bollywood actor Suresh Oberoi has lent his voice for Mufasa, while Zazu is done by Shariyar Atai. The title song 'Circle of Life' has been sung by Dominique, who has done backing vocals for A R Rahman and Shankar Ehsaan Loy.

The Lion King will be sponsored by food giant Britannia on the Disney Channel.